Fraud warning to East Lancashire online Christmas shoppers

ONLINE Christmas shoppers in Lancashire have been warned about bogus websites and counterfeit goods.

County council trading standards officers are telling people using websites for seasonal purchasing to be vigilant with their cash.

They have warned that fraudsters are going on to the internet to rip off the unwary.

In the past 12 months, Lancashire Trading Standards has received more than 900 complaints from county residents relating to online crimes, the most common fraud being bogus websites and counterfeit goods.

People attempting to buy designer fashion items including Ugg boots and Pandora jewellery from discount or auction websites have been disappointed when the items they have ordered are not genuine, are poor quality, or are never delivered.

County Council trading standards boss Albert Atkinson said: “As online shopping becomes more popular, we are reminding consumers to take even more care about shopping online.

“No-one wants to be ripped off at any time, especially when buying Christmas presents for friends and family.”

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here